A/N: TPOV
"Now, Remus, how goes your attempt to reach out to the werewolves? Do they know that they do not have to follow Greyback?"
Tonks looked at Remus, again noting how much this assignment was taking its toll on him. She understood why. The wolves who followed Greyback had long ago given up on fitting into society or had never longed to in the first place. They wanted a strong and formidable pack that would be challenged by no one and they needed an alpha who could provide that. Greyback fit the role almost perfectly. The one mark he had against him happened to be on his left forearm. The wolves didn't appreciate the forced alliance, but they were willing to put up with it if in the end they were on the side that won. To them the winning side would be the side with the most power.
Remus' assignment would have been simple enough if he was simply spying, gathering intelligence for the Order. However, he had the added duty of attempting to get the pack to change sides. This could be accomplished in one of two ways. Either he needed to beat Greyback and become the pack's alpha or he needed to try to convince them of the good side's power. Both could be argued to be lost causes. Looking at Remus now she knew if he went up against Greyback, one on one, no magic, who would win and it made her sick. Power? The wolves understood Voldemort's concept of power: firepower, power in numbers, in the willingness to do anything to win, in politics. They did not understand Dumbledore's statutes of love, loyalty, and good always triumphing over evil.
Remus sighed, taking a sip of the tea Molly had brought him, before responding. "The wolves will never betray Greyback as long as he is alive. They are worried that if they did he would be spiteful enough to personally hunt them down one by one. I have to admit their fears are valid.
I also wish it were as simple as killing him. Yes, he is a very powerful werewolf, but he is still mortal. The problem lies in the vacuum of power that would exist after his fall. Whomever stood up to fill that void would have to be willing to lead that pack to their dying day as well as be able to defeat anyone who got it in their mind that they all of a sudden wanted to be the alpha. There are many strong wolves in the pack, but most either don't want to face Greyback or only want the power, not the responsibility that goes with the position. I have been trying to spark rebellion within the ranks but gaining trust is a long and slow process. At the least they fear I am trying to convince them of a suicide mission and at the most, since Greyback turned me, they fear that I am simply a ploy of Greyback's to weed out who is loyal and who isn't. Needless to say many more moons are going to be required for any headway to take place."
Tonks heart broke for Remus as he sat down, looking as if he had just assigned himself to a fate worst that Azkaban. She wanted to go to him, to hug him and hold him tight. She wanted to convince him that it would all work out in the end, to be the strength that he could take with him in his heart when he had to leave again.
"And Tonks," Albus continued, "how go the patrols of the grounds? Any weaknesses that you believe that may be exploited? Anywhere where our defenses might get penetrated?"
The image in her mind morphed from her holding Remus and offering comfort to her trying to comfort Severus' weakened and bloody form. In that moment she had never hated this war more. She just wanted them both to be safe. Not that them safe uncomplicated things any. She scolded. Realizing everyone's eyes were on her, she cleared her throat in an attempt to clear her mind. She looked directly at Albus, scanning right or left briefly so as not to let herself focus on any of the three wizards, Remus, Severus, and Mad-eye, gazes she currently felt were burning holes right through her.
"So far I have been unable to find anything concerning the basics of the castle structure. The magical perimeter around the castle grounds has been tested daily by the other aurors and myself. The halls are patrolled on a daily basis.
What we would like to start to focus in on are the more peculiar aspects of the grounds. The secret tunnels, corridors and rooms. Obviously these are only as threatening as our enemies' knowledge of them. However, Albus…you have mentioned before that while Voldemort was a student at Hogwarts he knew of many of these intricacies, the Chamber of Secrets being the most obvious. I am of the understanding that the actual hidden routes on and off the castle grounds have been sealed?" Albus nodded his head briefly in confirmation. "With that in mind I can only foresee some of the other hidden areas presenting a leak in our defenses. Once I have that list I will assign one or two of the areas to each auror, so that they may become familiar with the location and be able to notice any changes if, when, and as soon as they take place."
Tonks risked a glance at Mad-eye who smiled at her approvingly. The moment she caught her gaze focusing on the dark and intent figure seated in the corner behind Mad-eye she snapped her attention back to Albus.
"I will have that list to you as soon as I can Tonks, I may have to consult with Hogwarts staff to ensure it is complete and I haven't forgotten anything. As soon as it is ready I would like you to visit my office so that we can go over it there. I am sure you understand why, even if delivered by patronus, I am hesitant to let such a list leave Hogwarts grounds." Albus responded gravely.
"I understand completely and will make sure that the other aurors are similarly briefed on Hogwarts grounds." Tonks responded, nodding her head respectfully before taking a sip of her peppermint tea. A certain level of excitement mixed within her at the prospect of exploring the castle in such a way. It was something, that as a student, she would have reeked absolute havoc to have had the chance to do. She just wished the opportunity had less dire consequences should she miss anything.